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When is wave cutting a bad strategy in league of legends?

The debate over cutting creep waves in League of Legends (LoL) has sparked fresh discussions among players, especially regarding its strategic application and timing. While some see wave cutting as beneficial for gaining map pressure, others raise concerns about misusing this tactic that could lead to severe penalties.

By

Kamara Nascimento

Dec 31, 2025, 10:10 PM

Edited By

Samir Patel

Updated

Jan 1, 2026, 04:44 AM

2 minutes of duration

A player in League of Legends cutting a creep wave, making strategic moves while considering game impact, surrounded by minions and turrets
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Context of the Cutting Creep Waves Debate

In online gaming, cutting creep waves is a hot topic among players. Advocates argue it can create room to roam or pressure enemy lanes. However, warnings arise about the potential drawbacks when not executed properly, particularly in Dota 2 where jungle opportunities play a significant role.

What the Community Is Saying

Recent comments reveal insights into effective strategies:

  • One player noted, "It's common in the offlane when you're strong and trying to take their tower or some heroes can do it right from level 1."

  • Another pointed out, "Doing this can be risky since every hero can TP to buildings, but often this forces responses, which can benefit your team."

Situations Where Cutting Can Backfire

As the conversations unfold, key themes emerge about when cutting creep waves may be detrimental:

  1. Hero Suitability: Certain heroes are better at this tactic. For example, offlane heroes like Axe and Tidehunter can pull creeps to gain an advantage, particularly if opposing supports have rotated to other lanes.

  2. Map Positioning: Mismanaging creep waves can upset the teamโ€™s farm, as highlighted by a player who stated, "If your carry is farming on one side, donโ€™t cut their wave on the other side."

  3. Strategic Coordination: Rather than cutting waves, some players advocate for teamwide engagement. As one commenter mentioned, "Maybe the team should group up and push objectives together."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Cutting waves can create significant advantages.

  • โŒ Poor execution may lead to missed opportunities and give foes gold.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Hero composition and map awareness are vital for successful implementation.

Strategies around creep wave cutting continue to evolve. As the meta shifts, understanding the situational effectiveness of this tactic becomes critical. Players must balance personal maneuvers with team strategies to maximize their impact in competitive play.

Future Implications for Creep Cutting

With ongoing discussions and potential viability of new balance patches expected, the approach to wave cutting is likely to change. As teams adapt to evolving metagame strategies, we may see a greater emphasis on collective tactics that prioritize teamwork over individual cut attempts, reshaping how players view the interaction with creep waves.

In this passionate community, conversations will surely continue as more players share their experiences and insights into the art of wave cutting.